April Foraging in the PNW: Wild Edibles, Mushrooms & Spring Remedies

April brings an explosion of life in the Pacific Northwest—lush green forests, blossoming trees, and plenty of edible and medicinal plants. This month is a dream for foragers, with an abundance of fresh greens, flavorful mushrooms, and useful herbs. Whether you’re searching for wild edibles, brewing herbal teas, or gathering natural materials for crafts, April is the perfect time to explore. Here’s your PNW April Foraging Guide!

1. Spring Greens & Wild Edibles

The first fresh greens of the season provide vital nutrients and a burst of flavor.

  • Miner’s Lettuce – This crisp, vitamin-packed green is perfect for salads and grows in shaded areas.

  • Chickweed – A mild, slightly sweet green that makes a great addition to pestos or mixed greens.

  • Dandelion Greens – Slightly bitter but excellent sautéed with garlic or tossed in salads.

  • Stinging Nettle – Rich in iron and vitamins, this plant is excellent for soups and teas (just cook it first to remove the sting!).

  • Fiddleheads – These coiled fern fronds have a crisp texture and mild, nutty flavor. Always cook before eating.

  • Wild Garlic (Garlic Mustard) – A garlicky-flavored green perfect for soups and sauces.

  • Watercress – Spicy and peppery, often found in running water. Use fresh in salads or soups.

2. Mushrooms & Fungi

Spring mushrooms start to appear in abundance, making April a peak month for foragers.

  • Morel Mushrooms – Highly sought after, these mushrooms grow in forests and recently burned areas. Their honeycomb caps make them distinctive.

  • Oyster Mushrooms – Found on logs and deadwood, these are delicious sautéed or in soups.

  • Turkey Tail – A medicinal mushroom used in teas to boost the immune system.

  • Shaggy Mane – A delicate, fast-decaying mushroom that’s best eaten soon after harvesting.

3. Medicinal & Herbal Plants

April is a great time to harvest herbs for teas, tinctures, and natural remedies.

  • Cleavers – Known for supporting the lymphatic system, often used as a detox tea.

  • Plantain – Great for skin irritations and wound healing.

  • Yarrow – An all-purpose medicinal herb, great for wound healing and teas.

  • Usnea (Old Man’s Beard) – A powerful natural antibiotic, best used in tinctures.

  • Devil’s Club – Used for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties.

4. Wild Teas & Natural Flavorings

  • Douglas Fir & Spruce Tips – These bright, citrusy tree tips make an excellent tea or syrup.

  • Wild Mint – Fresh or dried, great for digestion and relaxation.

  • Wild Rose Hips – A vitamin-packed, tangy addition to teas.

  • Lemon Balm – A soothing, lemon-scented herb for teas or infusions.

  • Violet Flowers & Leaves – Mild and slightly sweet, perfect for garnishes or tea.

5. Crafting & Natural Materials

Spring offers plenty of materials for nature-inspired crafts.

  • Willow Branches – Flexible and easy to shape for basket weaving or wreath-making.

  • Moss & Lichen – Great for terrariums or adding a rustic touch to crafts.

  • Cherry & Apple Blossoms – Collect fallen blossoms for tea, decorations, or pressing.

  • Alder Cones – Useful for natural dyeing or rustic decor.

  • Dried Ferns & Bark – Ideal for making nature-based art projects.

6. Foraging Tips for April

  • Look for Morels Near Burned Areas: Morels often grow in places where wildfires happened the year before.

  • Forage After Rain: Mushrooms and greens are at their best right after a spring shower.

  • Harvest Mindfully: Take only what you need and leave enough for the ecosystem to thrive.

  • Wear Proper Gear: Stinging nettles and damp forest floors can be tricky—gloves and waterproof boots are your friends!

Conclusion

April is an exciting month for foragers in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re gathering fresh greens, searching for prized morels, or crafting with nature’s gifts, there’s something magical about spring’s bounty. Happy foraging!

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.